We’ll keep you updated with new regulations, advice and handy guides. You'll also find info on local property, the market and our community.

Our Useful Guides & Insights are aimed at keeping you up-to-date and well informed. We cover a range of topics across residential sales and lettings, property management, financial services, the local community and everything in between. From home selling and buying advice, renting guides and the latest laws and regulations - you can find it all here. We aim to present each article in an easy-to-digest way, in language that actually makes sense and usually with a good dose of humour (because why make property boring!).

Helpful Guides & Insights

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Where You Can Get the Best Value for Your Money in North London in 2024
If you're on the hunt for property prices in North London, you’ve landed in the right place! We’ve done the legwork, diving deep into Zoopla’s latest data, so you don’t have to. Got your eye on something fancy or looking to bag a deal? Whether you're looking to splurge or snap up a bargain, we’ve got the inside scoop on where you'll get the best value for your money in North London. Let’s dive into North London’s priciest, and cheapest, postcodes.
Why Overpricing Your Home Could Cost You Big Time
In North London’s competitive property market, it can be tricky to know if your home is priced just right. With prices on the rise and fewer homes available, you’d think selling would be easy. But despite an impressive 11.2% year-on-year price increase in May, only 1 in 20 asking prices were slashed by 9%. So, how can you tell if your home has been priced to sell or if it’s destined to languish on property portals? Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of valuing your home and how to spot the warning signs of an inflated asking price.
10 Common Property "Icks” That Put Off Potential Buyers
When it comes to selling your home, there’s nothing worse than giving potential buyers “the ick”—that gut-wrenching feeling that makes them want to run for the hills (or at least to the next viewing). Whether you’ve heard the phrase bandied about in your last relationship and wondered why they suddenly ghosted after you wore a pair of swimming goggles that one time, you get the gist: it's a dealbreaker, a turn-off, a small but unavoidable reason to say "no thanks.” So, what are common property icks that make potential buyers swipe left on your home? Let’s dive into the 10 biggest offenders ranked by most common, according to a recent survey, and more importantly, how to avoid turning your property into a real-life House of Turn Offs.
Securing a Mortgage With a Student Loan Hangover
So, you’ve got a degree under your belt, a lifelong love for late-night ramen, and a mountain of student debt taller than a high rise in Hampstead. Fear not! While purchasing a property may feel like trying to find a parking spot in Camden on a Saturday, it’s not impossible. Just think of it as a final exam, one that you can ace with a sprinkle of Davies and Davies trademark know-how…
Cohabiting Property Rights: Everything Unmarried Couples Need to Know
More and more couples are choosing the “let’s-live-together-but-not-get-hitched” route. According to the latest stats, about 22% of UK couples are living together without tying the knot or entering into a civil partnership. That’s around 3.6 million cohabiting couples, more than double what it was back in 1996. But, before you settle in and start binge-watching Love Is Blind together, it’s important to know that your rights as a cohabiting couple are quite different from those of married folks. Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as a “common-law spouse” in England and Wales, no matter how long you’ve been sharing the remote. Sorry.
House Hunting Mistakes: Sidestep 10 Common Rookie Pitfalls
Yes, buying a home can feel like navigating an assault course on SAS Who Dares Wins - stressful, intense, and you might end up on a cliff edge in a rickety old studio flat, wondering how you got there in the first place. Because homeownership isn't just about finding a place to live; it's about investing in your future, building equity, and creating a space that reflects your personal style and needs. With so much on the line, it’s crucial to approach house hunting with a level head and a well-thought-out strategy - just like a special forces operator. So pop the kettle and your helmet on, and let's (safely) dive into the top 10 dos and don’ts of buying your first home.
Outshining Other Tenants: How to Secure Your Dream Rental
Gone are the days when a good reference and a deposit were your golden ticket to a new home. Fast forward to 2024, and you'll need a bit more flair to land that dream pad. With a 40% increase in tenant numbers since 2019 and a 35% drop in available properties, the rental market is more competitive than ever. Rightmove reports an average of 25 inquiries per listing, up from just 8 pre-pandemic (apocalypse) times. So, how do you go about outshining other tenants in this wacky rental race? Don’t worry, Davies and Davies are here to spill the beans on how to really stand out and snap up that dream abode before anyone else gets a look in…
Navigating the Maze of Joint Mortgages After Divorce
Breaking up is hard to do, but breaking up with a joint mortgage can be a whole new level of complicated. So, you've consciously (or unconsciously) uncoupled, and now you're left wondering, where did our joint Netflix subscription go? Though you both signed on the dotted line of that Stroud Green terrace, dreaming of a future filled with cosy nights in and lazy Sunday mornings… alas. Love is fickle, and now you find yourself navigating the treacherous waters of separation. What's next for that shared mortgage and Netflix plan? Davies and Davies are here to guide you through this murky sea of property ownership drama with a strong cup of tea and a tissue box full of joint mortgage know-how.
Five Things to Do Before Welcoming New Tenants
Come on in, landlords and don’t forget to wipe your feet on your own welcome mat. So, you've got new tenants moving in soon? It's time to put on your landlord hat and buckle up for the true adventure that is renting out your property. But before your tenants start plotting where to put their favourite houseplants or debating the best spot for their cosy bean bag chair, let's make sure you've got everything in order. Here’s our five point essential guide to help you prep for your soon-to-be happy new tenants.
The Ultimate (Personality) Guide to Types of Tenancy
If you've ever felt like deciphering types of tenancy is akin to cracking secret codes, fear not - your Davies and Davies property guru is here to shed some light on the various types of tenancies you might encounter on your journey to finding the perfect rental abode. So grab your £5 flat white (/the real reason you’re still renting apparently), settle into your rented faux leather two seater, and let's find out once and for all which tenancy type is you all over…
8 First Date Style Questions to Ace Your Property Valuation Meeting
Well hello there, property owners, aspiring landlords and first daters. So, you’ve decided to get your property valued. Great move! Now comes the fun (daunting) part: making sure you ask all the right property valuation questions during that all-important meeting. Think of it like a first date - you want to know as much as possible before committing. And without getting sauce down your shirt in the process. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with the top eight questions you need to ask to ensure you’re getting the best advice. And no, it isn’t actually a first date so you can put that rose away Brian.
Lifting the lid on the magical benefits of the 'Own New Rate Reducer' scheme
Navigating the UK mortgage jungle just got a tad easier with the launch of the 'Own New Rate Reducer' scheme in February 2024, where mortgage rates don't just dip; they do a full-on swan dive. It's hailed as the latest magic trick by Own New, a property finance maestro that's teamed up with lenders and homebuilders, to make owning a new build not just a dream but a very achievable reality.
From hidden fees to haunted flatmates: your rental viewing must ask questions
Are you tired of scrolling through endless online listings for rental properties, only to be disappointed when you finally view them in person? Well, fear not my fellow renters. For we have compiled a list of essential rental viewing questions that will help you determine if that dream apartment is really the one for you.
An illustration of someone watering their plants and someone else sunbathing
How to Create an Urban Oasis with Minimal Space
Is the closest thing to a garden right now the mould currently growing on that forgotten coffee cup under the sofa? Are you drooling over Insta’s endless reels of ivy-clad courtyards with rose archways and beautiful blossom trees? While some indoor house plants wouldn’t go amiss to start, if you have a small patio, balcony or even just a windowsill, there’s still plenty of scope to create an urban oasis. Transforming your no-garden space into an urban oasis isn't just a dream. It’s becoming crucial for our wellbeing (and bragging rights on how on earth you've turned a tiny balcony into a slice of paradise). With a little creativity and the right know-how, you can also maximise your property's potential should you be thinking of selling...
How much can you make selling your home in 2024?
Well, well, well, 2023 was quite the rollercoaster for our dear housing market wasn’t it? Prices dropped for the first time in over a decade, leaving homeowners in a bit of a tizzy. But fear not, sellers - it's not all doom and gloom for 2024. Research has shown that despite the fall in prices, 93% of sellers still made a profit. Who says those pesky avocado-smeared millennials can't be homeowners, eh? Now let's get to the juicy part: how much moolah did these lucky sellers make? Well, the average gross gain was a whopping £74,000. That's enough to pay off your student loans and still have some left over to feed your secret chipotle habit.
Property Valuation: Navigating the mystical waters of your home's value
As self-confessed experts in the North London property market jungle (since 1925 darling), and homeowners ourselves, we know all-too-bloomin’ well the wild ride that is selling your home. One of the most important steps in the snakes and ladders game of property is the almighty property valuation. Often a forgotten move, it is the most crucial in finding the sweet spot when it comes to selling up and moving on. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the process of valuing a property can be both daunting and confusing all at once. Like a game of Twister with your in-laws after one too many lunchtime mojitos. Well, that’s where we come in (and put the board games away). You need an expert guide to value your property and navigate the process like a PRO. Who’s got questions? Let’s start at the beginning, shall we…
Pet Friendly Rentals: Unleash the Secrets to Securing your Purr-fect Home
As proud, stray hair-covered pet owners ourselves, we understand the struggle of finding a rental property that welcomes our furry chums with arms as wide as ours. Dog-gone are the days when our beloved pets were seen as a hindrance to finding a place to call home. These days there is an increasing demand for pet friendly rentals, and it's not hard to see why. Pets bring joy, companionship, and a whole lot of (mess) love into our lives, so it's only fair that they should have a place to call their own too (and maybe even a whole bedroom too).
Illustration of a couple putting coins into a piggy bank
Unveiling The True Cost of Home Ownership
As a faithful London-based renter, the idea of owning a home has probably crossed your mind once or twice. And while you have attempted to brush the fantasy from your mind like Claudia Winkelman’s voluminous fringe, the whispers of homeownership still linger in the air. (Let’s face it, that fringe is going nowhere). Yes, after years of renting you're probably tired of throwing money away on someone else's mortgage. But before you rush into home ownership, it's crucial to understand the true cost of owning a home. It's not just about removal vans and deposits, my friend. There are hidden costs lurking in the shadows and underneath cloaks, ready to surprise you when you least expect it. A rental faithful such as yourself can be recruited into the world of property ownership in the dead of night, so let’s gather all the facts in the meantime…
Illustration of a man stood outside a house
Property industry trends for 2024
As we roll ourselves into 2024 like a leftover chocolate roulade gathering resolutions and unsolicited financial advice in our mentions, the London property market remains as unpredictable as mercury in Gatorade. Continuing to be the hot topic for speculation and gossip, the property industry has real main character energy right now. But let's not forget that behind the shiny facades and relentless bidding wars, some real trends and predictions are helping shape its snazzy outlook. Despite facing gruelling challenges like Matt Hancock on a reality show, London's housing market has shown some real resilience. Prices have managed to stay afloat in spite of increasing mortgage rates and interest rates, so let’s ‘rise and shine’ and greet the new year with a head full of real estate knowledge…
Why solicitors are your home-buying heroes
Fear not, my fellow house-owners to-be, for there is a superhero in the legal world who can guide us through the treacherous buyer journey… The Solicitor. Much like the elusive Santa Claus himself, they are wise, bring gifts of perfectly wrapped paperwork while you’re sleeping and most importantly - have never been spotted in the flesh. Well, have you caught one in your front room bent over the fire surround delivering mortgage papers? Didn’t think so, Margaret. Today we are asking the age-old question: what exactly is a solicitor when they are at home? And how will they help you buy a house from their secret hideaway in snowy North (Pole) London?
All in good time: How long does it REALLY take to sell a house?
In the world of big fat life goals, timing is everything. From learning to drive to nailing that complicated Beyonce move, your biggest achievements need an appropriate length of time to really perfect. According to Zoopla, it takes approximately 25 weeks to sell a home - from listing to the handing over of keys. But as all we know, there are myriad outside factors that can slow this process down (thanks to old pull-out-last-minute Barry from number 32) or even speed it up (thank you Mrs oh-so-caffeinated-surveyor on fine form). There are also a lot of time frames within those 25 weeks that take their own sweet time to complete. Think offer acceptance timeline, exchanging timeframe, pre-soaking your Christmas pudding timeframe…. the list goes on. Check out our timeframe guide to make sense of all this clock watching and calendar flipping in the heady realm of house sales.
It’s the Great British Mortgage Off
Are you ready to take on the Great British Mortgage-Off? From interest-only to standard variable, there’s more than just one type of mortgage to plump for. When it comes to deciding on your particular recipe, will you choose a fixed-rate, where your monthly payments stay just the same, or a tracker mortgage with potentially lower repayments but could be swayed by some rather unsavoury fluctuations in the market? Let’s explore the tastiest types of mortgages available and find out where to find the creme de la creme of deals. Because after all, the proof of the pudding is in the mortgage. Or something like that. On your marks, get set, broker!
Illustration of a couple standing next to a sofa talking
The Handy Guide To Renting or Buying As A Couple
Good afternoon and welcome to the Davies & Davies couple’s guide to renting or buying together. Yes, that is a genuine velvet couch on which you may lounge and unleash your innermost worries. Now, what seems to be troubling you? The stress of a move that’s making you both feel overwhelmed? The impending inevitability of loss looming above your heads like the Sword of Damocles? Your curtains don’t match his drapes? These are common concerns. The answers, as always, lie in communication. At the heart of this article is the advice to listen to each other, air out your worries before you set sail on a move and make your decisions together. With your property plan of action based on mutual agreement and trust, you’ll be signing your papers with a smile (not a hidden worried frown). So pop those tissues down and avoid all that heartache and financial headache with our handy couple’s guide on making the big move together…
Illustration of a man and woman landing their dream rental property
How to land your dream rental property and beat the competition
So you’ve found that perfect apartment in your dream postcode, within Sunday strolling distance of your favourite coffee shop and dog park. Congratulations! But what’s this? After enquiring about a viewing, you are told there are precisely 76 other potential renters all vying for the same abode. “Nooooo! Why have the rental gods forsaken me!?” you are heard wailing, all the way down in Clapham. Competing for your dream North London rental can often feel like a battle, a war, a murder on the dance floor! It’s no secret that the more desirable properties are snapped up in seconds, and can slip away if you’re not prepared to take the lead (wink). To help you secure that perfect rental, think of it like a dance to the death. Well, to the handing over of keys perhaps.

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